Herbed Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Herbed Stuffed Chicken Breasts are a delightful and flavorful way to elevate a simple chicken dinner. With a savory stuffing of fresh spinach, tangy feta, and sun-dried tomatoes, this dish is perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself to something special.
Share
Ingredients for Herbed Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Chicken breasts, being lean and versatile, are the perfect base for this dish, providing a mild flavor that complements the bold stuffing. Spinach adds freshness and a pop of color, while feta cheese brings a creamy, salty contrast. Sun-dried tomatoes contribute a sweet, tangy depth. Garlic introduces a subtle, aromatic kick, and fresh parsley and thyme enhance the herbal notes. Finally, olive oil helps in searing the chicken to golden perfection.
Herbed Stuffed Chicken Breasts Tips & Tricks
- Ensure your skillet is oven-safe to avoid transferring the chicken to another dish.
- If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers are a great substitute.
- Don’t skip resting the chicken; it makes a big difference in juiciness.
Serving Ideas for Herbed Stuffed Chicken Breasts
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side of roasted vegetables or a light, refreshing salad. A glass of crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, complements the flavors perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I prepare this in advance?
- Yes! You can stuff the chicken breasts a day ahead and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
- What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
- Dried herbs can be used, but use about one-third of the amount since they’re more concentrated.
Herbed Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe Walkthrough
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that when you're ready to bake, the oven is hot and ready to go. Now, let’s tackle the chicken. Take each of the chicken breasts and butterfly them — this just means slicing them horizontally but not all the way through, creating a nice little pocket for all that delicious stuffing.
In a mixing bowl, combine the fresh spinach, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, parsley, and thyme. Give it a good mix until everything is evenly distributed. Stuff each chicken breast with a generous amount of this filling and use toothpicks to secure the opening. Trust me, you don't want your filling bursting out while cooking.
Season the outside of the chicken breasts with a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. In an oven-safe skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, gently add the chicken breasts and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown.
Once seared, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear. Rest the chicken for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, making every bite tender and juicy.
Why This Herbed Stuffed Chicken Breasts Works
- Rich in flavors with a Mediterranean twist.
- Simple but elegant enough for a dinner party.
- Quick to prepare and cook, even on a busy weeknight.
- Uses wholesome, fresh ingredients for a healthy meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Step-by-step Instructions
- 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 2. Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing it horizontally without cutting all the way through, creating a pocket.
- 3. In a bowl, mix together the spinach, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, parsley, and thyme.
- 4. Stuff each chicken breast with the filling and secure with toothpicks.
- 5. Season the outside of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
- 6. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- 7. Sear the chicken breasts on each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
- 8. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- 9. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.